A solid macassar ebony wooden sculpture of an owl. It is clear to see that this owl was made by a skilled artist with an eye for aesthetics, proportions and the ability to bring a sculpture to life. With its slightly tilted, inquisitve and curious face, the streamlined front side and beautifully carved wings at the back it's a striking design to simply fall in love with.
Because the designs shows Dutch Art Deco, modernist, as well as Wiener Werkstätte influences, it is possibly an early piece by the sculptor Bernard Richters (1888 - 1966). He worked in Vienna at the start of his career in the early 1900s. (until WW1)
Vienna architecture, art and furniture at that time was all about The Wiener Werkstätte (engl.: Vienna Workshop). The association, established by Koloman Moser and Josef Hoffman brought architects, designers and artisans together to produce utilitarian items in the widest range of media. It is regarded as a pioneer of modern design, and its influence can be seen in later styles such as Bauhaus and Art Deco.
Bernardus Johannes (Bernard) Richters (Rotterdam, March 27, 1888 - Laren, December 11, 1966) was a Dutch sculptor, graphic artist and drafstman.
Richters received his education at the Academy of Visual Arts and Technical Sciences in his hometown. He had lessons from Edema van der Tuuk, Alexander van Maasdijk and Rein Miedema. He was a younger brother of the (glass) painter Marius Richters (1878-1955). Until the First World War he lived and worked in Vienna, Munich and Paris.
Provenance: The scuplture has been part of a private collection, bought in Vienna around 1980. in a small antique shop.
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Design Period
1910s
Production Period
around 1910
Country of Manufacture
Austria
Style
Wiener Werkstatte, Dutch Art Deco, Amsterdam School, Modernist
Detailed Condition
Very Good - Light wear consistent with age and use
